These two Bastions (connected by the South Caponier) are only part of an extensive Napoleonic and Victorian defense system embedded into the Western Heights.

The photo was taken looking south and I had to wait for an overcast day in which to take it (hence some colours are a bit muted) because any direct sunlight and parts of the moat floor will disappear into intensely dark shadows (while the rest of it will produce more areas of glare than my expertise with a camera can cope with).

The grassy part in the bottom left-hand corner is the top of the North-West Caponier - a large two storey structure projecting into the moat with slate balconies on the first floor.

The grass area towards the top left is the top of the Detached Bastion "island" itself. Below, ivy inhibits the light entering through unseen embrasures (windows) which line a tunnel on the bottom level running along the length of the moat wall.

In this tunnel there is a drawbridge leading on to a flight of steps giving access to the surface of the island. There are two counterweight holes set into the tunnel floor on either side of the drawbridge and earlier this year a nameless Dover Locals Forum member "did a first" by walking backwards into one of them!

Of course, I've completely forgotten about the incident, but even if I should suddenly remember EVERY DETAIL, I wouldn't dream of mentioning it should said forummite appear at any Christmes function that may take place this year :)